Almost 30,000 breakdowns expected on back to school Monday

As Brits embark on the first school run and, for some, back to work drive of 2019, leading breakdown cover provider Green Flag is urging drivers to check their vehicles before making their journeys, with tens of thousands of breakdowns predicted throughout the day.

Green Flag is expecting an 11.1% increase in incidents on the first Monday after the festive period, with around 28,981 breakdowns and 6,373 flat batteries* set to cause havoc on the roads for motorists.

Simon Henrick, Head of News at Green Flag, commented: “It’s hard enough heading back to routine after the festive period, and the last thing drivers want is to deal with a breakdown on the first Monday of the year.

“We’re encouraging drivers to carry out safety checks before hitting the road, to avoid car faults and breakdowns. The roads are likely to be busier than they have in previous weeks, as everyone gets back to the grind, and with cold weather setting in it’s important to be vigilant and safe on the roads.”

Green Flag has issued some easy and helpful common sense tips to keep in mind ahead of a journey this January:

Walk around the car and look for any signs of potential trouble, especially tyres and lights

Check tyre pressures, spare included

Check all fluid levelsand top up if necessary

Make sure you have breakdown cover. If you’re travelling abroad, make sure your cover extends to your trip away. If it doesn’t, you may need to arrange separate cover

Keep a road map in the car so you’ll be able to explain where you are when you call for help. Don’t rely on the map on your phone – you won’t always have signal

Make sure your phone battery is topped up– think about buying an in-car charger just in case you need it

Have the number for your emergency breakdown provider handy– you’ll usually find it on your policy certificate so you could keep this in the glove box